Tribute to Christine Osburn Jackson

TRIBUTE TO CHRISTINE OSBURN JACKSON-HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN (Extensions of Remarks - October 08, 2004)

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a woman who has unselfishly served the women and girls of the Greater Charleston YWCA and all citizens of the Charleston, South Carolina area for most of her career. Ms. Christine Osburn Jackson is retiring after 36 years as the Executive Director of YWCA of Greater Charleston, and a lifetime of service to her community and fellow human beings.

My friend, Christine, has parlayed her position into a platform to promote racial justice and help shape public policy. This was a natural role stemming from her leadership of the organization during the turbulent 1960s when Charleston's YWCA sought to remain segregated. Her tenacity led the all-black branch of the organization to be designated the YWCA's national affiliate in Charleston, and carry on its mission of equality and empowerment.

Her leadership was sought during the preeminent civil rights struggles of the time. She was one of only three women to share the stage with Martin Luther King, Jr. during his only visit to Charleston with the Southern Christain Leadership Conference. She also hosted meetings at the YWCA for black hospital workers during the infamous 1969 Charleston Hospital Strike.

It was Christine Jackson's strength and steadfastness during these difficult times that built the foundation for the YWCA's continuing success. Under her leadership, this organization has actively registered voters, taught parenting to teenage mothers, provided after school programs for local students, and honored women in industry for their contributions with the Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) awards. She has carried on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. by organizing community events throughout the month of January to inspire others to promote social justice.

Many organizations have sought out her extraordinary talents. She holds membership on many governing boards including the Interfaith Crisis Ministry, the League of Women Voters, and the Foster Care Review Board. Ms. Jackson has also been the recipient of numerous awards including those bestowed by five different national sororities and fraternities, the Trident United Way, the Committee on Better Racial Assurance, and the Charleston County Baptist Association.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in applauding Christine Osburn Jackson's lifetime of achievements. Although her daily presence at the Greater Charleston YWCA will be missed, I know her guiding hand will still be felt throughout the community.